Secretary Duncan made creating more charters a central element of his impressive tenure as head of Chicago's school system. His continuing charter-school emphasis is reflected in the Education Department's first television production under his leadership — "Charter Schools: School Reform that Works."

President Obama and Secretary Duncan recognize the key role charter schools can play in improving U.S. public education.

Virtually all of the Republican lawmakers, along with a significant number of Democrats, gave President Obama's call for more charter schools the grand hand it deserves. So should all Americans who understand the need for, and the positive power of, school choice.

Popular demand continues to rise for charter schools — public schools run by boards of private citizens who enjoy considerable independence from school districts. That governing structure encourages innovation while expanding educational choice within the public-school system. It also encourages parental and community involvement — essential ingredients in the continuing quest to upgrade U.S. public education.